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Wilfred Reilly Books

Political scientist Professor Wilfred Riley of Kentucky State University returns to Real Clear to share his unique insights into the recent U.S. presidential election. We explore why Kamala Harris's defeat was more about her own campaign missteps, lackluster appeal, and public speaking challenges rather than the oversimplified ideological explanations often touted.

Diving into the Democratic Party's challenges, we question whether "woke" ideology and the decision to back Kamala Harris without a primary challenge were strategic missteps. Could a centrist figure like Joe Manchin have shifted the tide? We dig into the intricacies of race and gender politics, particularly the pivotal role of the black male vote, and consider whether a pivot to more centrist policies might better serve the Democrats in future elections.

We also scrutinize Donald Trump's governance style and the importance of assembling a competent leadership team. Comparing Trump's past reliance on controversial figures with the need for experienced advisors, we assess his recent proposals on tariffs and taxes and their potential impact. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and explores practical paths forward for both parties.

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Is the 2024 presidential election poised to be one of the most contentious in American history? Join me, Lucas Klein, on the Real Clear Podcast as we unravel the intricate dynamics between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump with just hours to go before the nation heads to the polls. With Trump holding an edge in the latest Vegas odds and statistical predictions, the battle for Pennsylvania emerges as both candidates' ultimate litmus test. Through in-depth analysis, we scrutinize possible electoral outcomes, including the prospect of a 269-269 electoral tie, and ponder how key swing states like Wisconsin and Michigan could tip the scale. As the nation stands polarized, the stakes have never been higher, and Pennsylvania's role as a potential kingmaker is undeniable.

Our episode also takes a critical look at the contrasting strategies employed by both campaigns. Harris’s team grapples with maintaining momentum amid Biden's controversial remarks and the weight of her vice-presidential legacy, while Trump navigates the fallout from his inflammatory statements that often spark media controversy. Despite these challenges, Trump's immigration-focused strategy continues to galvanize his base, particularly in border states. As Harris attempts to soften her stance on hot-button issues like taxation, we evaluate the strategic missteps and calculated moves that could define the election's outcome. With a nation on edge, we ponder the implications for the political landscape, knowing that regardless of the victor, a significant portion of the country may feel alienated. Tune in for this crucial conversation as we dissect what could be a turning point in American politics.

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BECOME REAL CLEAR

Can Kamala Harris overcome the challenges that echo Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, or will Donald Trump once again defy polling expectations to reclaim the presidency? As we dissect the 2024 U.S. presidential election, we confront the tense political atmosphere where a voter's choice is often misjudged as a measure of their personal worth. We scrutinize Harris's narrow lead in the RealClearPolitics average and the significant hurdles her campaign faces in battleground states like Michigan. With Trump gaining ground and historical trends of under-polling, the stakes are high. We offer an analysis of Harris’s recent media engagements, where her struggle with coherence under pressure could sway undecided voters, and why a Trump victory might be on the horizon.

Comparing Trump and Harris, we explore the public's weariness of Trump's antics and yet how Harris's interviews have unexpectedly cast him in a more articulate light. We question the Democratic Party's strategic decisions, pondering the potential advantages of alternative candidates and why Harris's absence from key events like the Al Smith dinner may have reinforced negative perceptions. We also consider how Harris's current challenges parallel those faced by Clinton in 2016, particularly in engaging with MAGA voters. As betting odds shift in Trump's favor, we discuss how public comments and media engagement shape electoral outcomes and invite listeners to reflect on the evolving political landscape with us.

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